After 13 years of serving alongside the Assemblies of God church in Madagascar, the Santmyires relocated to Kenya in 2021. They developed Africa House Care (AHC Member Care) for all of the AG missionaries serving across Africa. Africa House Care was designed to help support missionary personnel. Although called ‘Heroes of the Faith’, missionaries face many of the same pressures of life: Emotional Health, Safety and Security, Physical Health, Families and Singles, Relational Health, Sexual Health, and Spiritual Formation. AHC Member Care provided proactive and reactive care to support AG missionary families across Africa. 

At the end of 2024, the position for Member Care Director for all of AGWM came open. Aaron was offered and accepted this new role. AGWM’s vision is to establish the church among all peoples everywhere. In order for churches to be established, healthy missionaries are needed. There are currently 2800 AGWM missionaries and 1485 missionary kids across the world. The AGWM Member Care Director role is tasked with leading several key departments including Safety and Security, Missionary Kids, Child Safety, and Emotional Health and Wellness. The Santmyires moved to Springfield, MO to be based at the AGWM headquarters. They now have the opportunity to serve the 2800 missionaries and 1485 missionary kids around the world by sharing personal experiences that God has allowed them to walk through. When intentional pre-field training takes place, missionaries will have more tools in their tool belts once they reach the field.

Please pray:

For the upcoming pre field training that takes place during the month of June for all new personnel joining AGWM as well as a few events that welcome back those who are coming off the field for their itineration year. That begins June 6 and ends June 28th. Some researchers have said that providing strong pre-field training has a direct impact on the longevity of Missionaries serving on the field.

Please pray for good connections and opportunities to share what is included in the Member Care department. Aaron and Heather have an opportunity to talk about transitions, grief, mental health on the field, safety and security, and so much more. They know the Lord has brought them through many things through their own time on the field so that they can share some wisdom of what they have learned along the way. Pray for them to communicate with humility and vulnerability.  

For multiple travels to be at Regional conferences. Their kids will work as camp counselors for these events so the whole Santmyire family will be full of activity. Pray for safety and health in all of the traveling. 

Pray for the missionaries and missionary kids who will be at the Regional Conferences. Many need a break from the pressures on the field. Many of them are serving in locations at war currently. Pray for the Lord to continue to watch over them and bring them safely to and from.